Seven in High Court on criminal charges

Seven people appeared on criminal charges before Justice of Peace Georgina Williams in the Cook Islands Court on July 28.

The cases involved drink-driving, theft and assault on a constable and common assault with intent to injure.

The common assault and assault with intent to injure matters were transferred from Atiu.

Teivavai Teaurere pleaded guilty to charges of burglary and theft and two counts of contempt of court, while Ngametua Tiatoa appeared on charges of willful damage, theft and breaching his probationary licence.

Sepataio Nicholas was charged with contempt of court, resisting arrest and escaping lawful custody. All matters have been adjourned for sentencing before three Justices of Peace on September 7.

In other court matters, Seremaia Labaibure failed to appear in court and defence counsel Mark Short asked that the matter to be adjourned to September 1. Labaibure is charged with assault on a female and injuring with intent.

Jordan Sameli appeared for charges of assault on a female and breaking and entering. Defence counsel Mark Short said the charges were absurd and entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of the defendant. Short said Sameli had been on the premises as he had been asked to move some furniture. JP Williams adjourned the matter for trial on December 7.

Toru Katuke and Deveron Aererua’s charges of being unlawfully found were withdrawn. Senior police prosecutor Fairoa Tararu told the court that the complainant had handed police a letter asking for the charges to be withdrawn, claiming the charge had arisen from a misunderstanding.

Defence counsel Mark Short thanked prosecution for the letter and said it would have been disappointing if the teenagers were convicted just for seeking a place for an “after-party.”